Chennai Super Kings is one such franchise that has enhanced the fame and definition of the Indian Premier League. Being a five-time champions side helmed under the captain cool, MS Dhoni, the Super Kings are prominent for the gameplay and their humongous fanbase. But, they had a forgettable 2024 stint, as they had closely missed qualifying for the playoffs, citing significant issues regarding players' inconsistency and the injury of leading campaigners.

But, with the Mega Auction coming ahead, the Yellove army will get a chance to restructure their team and plan for the long term, as a few of them from the roster will likely play their last in the times ahead. Based on the released retention list and voids present on the side, here is a list of the five players that Chennai Super Kings should try for in the coming 2025 IPL Mega Auction

Rishabh Pant

Rishabh Pant should be on the team's player acquisition plans' significant target list. The primary reason behind this would be evident amongst several cricket fanatics. With Mahendra Singh Dhoni possibly playing his last IPL after his cornerstone contributions to the cricketing world, Chennai Super Kings would be eager to acquire the services of an emerging wicketkeeper batter.

Since his IPL inception, Pant has been part of Delhi Capitals for over seven editions, implying his pivotal impact creation for his roster. But, with him parting ways from his career shuttler, it will be intriguing to see if Rishabh Pant would be a part of a team with his idol. After making a stellar comeback from a life-threatening injury, he has made 446 runs in 13 matches, averaging over 41. 

Ravichandran Ashwin

Ravichandran Ashwin has been one of the cornerstones of the Indian spinners ecosystem. But, before making a mark on the International cricket space, Ashwin was a part of the Yellow squad since its inception. He evolved as one of the best spinmeisters across all game formats, especially in the red-ball format.

Though Ashwin has played for four teams, Rajasthan Royals being the recent one, his consistency and intent must be the major USP. Also, with his recent dominance as one of the best bowlers in test cricket, the local boy wouldn't mind returning to the side that has given him all. The Super Kings will target to have an experienced spinner, and he can prove to be their best option. In the previous edition, he had scalped nine wickets in 15 matches at an economy of eight. 

Washington Sundar

Washington Sundar would be one of the players under the Super Kings auction management's auction radar, thanks to his impeccable performance in their recent whitewash campaign by New Zealand, where his spinning efforts went in vain. Many fanatics would vividly remember his batting contributions in the nick of time during the previous 2022 Border-Gavasker Trophy down under.

Sundar, who played for Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL 2024, was not retained by his franchise and will be auctioned off. With Chennai retaining Ravindra Jadeja and Shivam Dube ahead of the auction, another all-rounder could do them good. With the side requiring a long-term emerging spinner, Sundar can cater to those needs, and his local roots act as the cherry on top. In 2024, he didn't get a chance to display his calibre and scalped just one wicket in two appearances. 

Also Read: IPL 2025: Top 5 Best Retentions during the 2025 IPL Mega Auction

Devon Conway

Devon Conway is seen to be one of the players that the five-time winners may exercise their Right-to-Match (RTM) option or pay big for in the mega auction. The group is recognised for its stability and consistency and has placed a high faith level in its overseas players, with Devon Conway has maintained that tradition.

He missed the IPL 2024 season with a thumb injury, and his absence contributed to the franchise's failure to qualify for the playoffs. The Southern side should be eager to get him back into the auction. In his memorable 2023 stint, he has made a colossal 672 runs in 16 matches, averaging over 49.

Rachin Ravindran

Rachin Ravindra is currently one of the intriguing and emerging stars in world cricket, and he's mainly performed brilliantly in the Indian sub-continent, with his recent performance in the clean sweep India test series and the 2023 World Cup.

A calm demeanour, 24 years of age, a match-winner with the bat, and a handy spinner – all elements of Rachin Ravindra are perfect for the team to acquire him for long-term purposes. Though he had a shaky start in his first IPL appearance, his calibre signifies promise, which the Chennai Super Kings highly need. In 2024, he has made just 220 runs in ten matches, but it will be a terrain of a task for the side as many sides are willing to bid for him in the forthcoming Mega Auction.

After a day of gripping cricket, New Zealand managed to edge ahead with a lead of 149 runs as India struggled to rein in Mitchell and Young’s strong batting performance. Washington Sundar and Ravindra Jadeja led India’s bowling with impactful spells, but New Zealand’s middle-order resilience put them in the driver’s seat.

Early success for Indian bowlers as Sundar and Jadeja shine

India struck early, with Washington Sundar and Ravindra Jadeja picking up key wickets to put New Zealand on the back foot. Sundar bowled beautifully, dismissing New Zealand's Tom Latham for 28, his delivery drifting in and breaking past the outside edge to uproot Latham’s off-stump. Ravindra Jadeja, meanwhile, kept things tight from the other end and managed to bag a five-wicket haul, delivering a masterclass of spin on the lively pitch.

Despite India’s early gains, New Zealand’s Mitchell and Young resisted with patience and precision. Young struck a composed 71 before Jadeja claimed his wicket with a well-placed delivery that found its way to Rohit Sharma at slip. Mitchell, however, was the standout performer, posting a gritty 82 with some well-timed boundaries and towering sixes, making India’s bowlers toil for every wicket.

See Also: Fans criticize Kohli’s focus after quick run-out in Mumbai Test

New Zealand's middle-order resilience secure the lead

Daryl Mitchell's steadfast approach paid off, even as wickets fell around him. His powerful hitting displayed both control and aggression, including a massive six off Sundar that reached the top tier, thrilling fans and teammates alike. He and Will Young’s partnership added crucial runs, pushing New Zealand’s total to 235 before Sundar managed a final breakthrough, claiming Ajaz Patel’s wicket after he misjudged a drifting delivery that struck him plumb in front.

While Sundar and Jadeja dominated the wicket tally, India’s bowlers had little answer to New Zealand’s composed middle-order play. Jadeja’s fifth wicket of the innings, however, gave India a glimmer of hope as he bowled Matt Henry with a delivery that spun away sharply. New Zealand eventually closed the innings at 235, leaving India with a deficit of 149 runs to overcome as they prepare for Day 2.

On the opening day of the third Test at the Wankhede Stadium, New Zealand’s Will Young fought back valiantly after an early setback against India’s disciplined spin attack. Opting to bat, New Zealand faced some early struggles as Washington Sundar’s incisive spell claimed two quick wickets. However, Young’s gritty innings kept the visitors in the contest as he notched up a well-deserved fifty, taking New Zealand to 130/3 by the second session.

Sundar’s spell brings India back into the game

After New Zealand lost Devon Conway early to Akash Deep, the visitors found a brief reprieve with a 44-run stand between Tom Latham and Will Young. But Washington Sundar’s entrance turned the tables for India. With his flight and drift troubling the New Zealand batters, Sundar struck a decisive blow by dismissing Latham, who misjudged the line and had his stumps rattled. The off-spinner continued his spell of dominance, delivering another similar beauty to bowl Rachin Ravindra, who was left shaking his head as he walked off. Sundar’s 2-26 provided India with critical breakthroughs, keeping the game evenly poised.

See Also: IPL 2025: Players retained by each team; Retention rules explained

Will Young’s gritty fifty rescues New Zealand

Despite the setbacks, Young displayed resilience and continued to score freely when opportunities arose. As the Indian spinners began to find more grip off the pitch, Young reached his fifty with a commanding six straight down the ground, showcasing his confidence and determination. Alongside Daryl Mitchell, he ensured New Zealand avoided further damage, with the pair steadying the innings through the growing turn and bounce on offer. At 60 off 115 deliveries, Young’s innings was a testament to his focus and skill, as he faced down India’s spinners and kept New Zealand in the fight.

As the second session progresses, the Wankhede surface is starting to offer more assistance to the spinners, which could make batting even more challenging for New Zealand. Ravindra Jadeja has already shown signs of turn, and the Indian bowlers will look to capitalize on the conditions to keep the pressure on the visiting side.

In a gripping day's play at Pune, New Zealand's decision to bat first on a turning track seemed to hold promise early on, but India clawed their way back into the contest thanks to Washington Sundar’s magical spell. The Black Caps, led by Tom Latham, started on the front foot with solid contributions from their top five batters. Devon Conway (76) and Rachin Ravindra (65) played pivotal roles, building crucial partnerships of 62 and 59 runs, respectively, with the likes of Will Young and Daryl Mitchell chipping in. The visitors appeared in control with two fifty-plus stands, and India had to be patient during these passages of play.

However, the match turned sharply in India's favor after Tea when Washington Sundar was reintroduced into the attack. Ravichandran Ashwin (3/64) had already done the early damage, surpassing Nathan Lyon on the all-time wicket-takers list with three crucial strikes. But it was Sundar's brilliance that dismantled the Kiwis' middle and lower order. Sundar’s career-best figures of 7/59 stunned New Zealand, who went from a promising position to being bowled out for 259 in just 79.1 overs. His relentless off-spin left the visitors clueless, as the Tamil Nadu spinner ripped through the lineup, ensuring that India ended the day in a balanced position despite New Zealand's early control.

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Washington Sundar's Wickets contact points 

Washington Sundar delivered a stellar performance in the Test match against New Zealand, marking his return to the longest format of the game with a memorable 10-wicket haul. His spell not only highlighted his skill but also showcased his tactical brilliance on a pitch that favored turn. After a patient start by the New Zealand batters, Sundar unleashed a flurry of deliveries that left them clueless. His combination of sharp turn and precise lengths made it difficult for the visitors to settle, despite their promising start.

New Zealand, having won the toss and opted to bat on a turning track, looked comfortable initially with Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra contributing half-centuries. The two built partnerships that kept the Kiwis in a strong position. However, as soon as Washington Sundar was brought into the attack, things shifted dramatically. His relentless pressure, combined with Ravichandran Ashwin's early strikes, set up the perfect stage for Sundar to run through the middle and lower order of New Zealand.

Sundar's 10-wicket haul, highlighted by his ability to exploit the conditions perfectly, saw him claim wickets through a mix of bowled, caught, and LBW dismissals. As the image analysis shows, his wickets came from a variety of deliveries, each targeting different parts of the stumps and around the crease. His precision in dismissing the batters reflected his mastery of line and length. The variation in his deliveries—whether turning away or sliding through—was key to confusing the New Zealand batters.

The graphic further underlines how Sundar's accuracy paid off. The contact points of the dismissals show that Sundar was able to consistently target the stumps, forcing mistakes and either bowling batters or trapping them leg-before-wicket. His control over his deliveries ensured that New Zealand’s lower order had no answer to his spin, and they crumbled in quick succession after appearing well set earlier in the day.

This performance by Sundar marks not just a personal milestone with career-best figures but also highlights his growing stature in India’s Test setup. His ability to control the game in crucial moments, especially on turning tracks, could make him an indispensable asset in future home series. For now, this match will be remembered as the one where Sundar made a statement, announcing his return in the grandest fashion.

See Also: Does constant role change affect KL Rahul’s batting performance?

Indian off-spinner Washington Sundar picks up his career-best figures of 7-59 to bundle out New Zealand on 259 on Day 1 of the 2nd Test. He made his comeback into the test side after 3 years and bowled a best spell for the hosts. His first wicket was the in-form NZ All-Rounder Rachin Ravindra who was the Player of the Match in 1st Test as well. Sundar bowling around the wicket drifted on off and the ball turned sharply.

Sundar then picked up the wicket of NZ wicketkeeper Tom Blundell and restricted visitors to 201-5 at the Tea. After Tea, he cleaned up Daryl Mitchell with a LBW claiming his 3rd scalp. Tim Southee, who scored 65(73) in the First Test, scored only 5(8) today and was the 5th scalp for Sundar today. Sundar later picked up wickets of Ajaz Patel and Mitchell Santner and claimed his career-best figures of 7 for 59 in 23.1 overs. Washington Sundar's Test Bowling average before the Pune test was 49.83 and now after claiming 7/59 his bowling average is 27.53.

Veteran India all-rounder Hardik Pandya is reportedly uncertain for the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025 which is slated to take place in Pakistan. The veteran all-rounder will need to prove himself in domestic cricket first, where he has to bowl 10 overs consistently as well.

Washington Sundar to replace Hardik Pandya?

According to a report by Indian Express, Hardik Pandya is uncertain in the ODI squad for the Champions Trophy 2025 as well. He will have to prove himself in the domestic circuit and then a call will be taken as well. By then, India are looking at Washington Sundar and Axar Patel as their all-rounders in the squad for the Champions Trophy 2025 since the tournament will take place in subcontinent conditions as well. The report also stated that the management is also looking at young pace bowling all-rounder Nitish Reddy as well.

However, Hardik Pandya will miss the upcoming ODI series against Sri Lanka which is all set to start from August 2. However, he will play in the T20I where Suryakumar Yadav will lead the team in Sri Lanka as well. Hardik who was Rohit Sharma’s deputy in the T20 World Cup will play in the series as a player as Shubman Gill has been appointed as Suryakumay Yadav’s deputy in T20Is as well.

SEE ALSO: Rohit Sharma comments on his retirement plans after quitting T20Is

On the other hand, the upcoming series against Sri Lanka will be the first assignment for newly appointed India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir who took over the reins from Rahul Dravid. However, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will take part in the ODIs where Rohit made a comeback in the ODI series to lead India, which will be his first ODI clash after India lost the ODI World Cup final against Australia at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

Apart from Rohit and Virat Kohli, all-rounder Shivam Dube has also been added to the squad as Hardik Pandya’s replacement as well. Meanwhile, Shreyas Iyer who lost his central contract after the ODI World Cup has also made a comeback in the ODI squad as well.

India Squads for Sri Lanka tour

T20I Squad: Suryakumar Yadav (C), Ꮪhubman Gill (VC), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rinku Singh, Riyan Parag, Rishabh Pant (WK), Sanju Samson (WK), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh, Khaleel Ahmed, Mohd. Siraj.

ODI Squad: Rohit Sharma (C), Ꮪhubman Gill (VC), Virat Kohli, KL Rahul (WK), Rishabh Pant (WK), Shreyas Iyer, Shivam Dube, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohd. Siraj, Washington Sundar, Arshdeep Singh, Riyan Parag, Axar Patel, Khaleel Ahmed, Harshit Rana.

India’s rising stars Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill made big jumps in the ICC T20I rankings after their impressive performances on the Zimbabwe tour. Jaiswal moved up four spots to reach 6th place with 743 points, just behind Pakistan’s Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam. Travis Head stayed at the top of the rankings, with Suryakumar Yadav and England’s Phil Salt tied for second with 797 points each.

Shubman Gill, who captained India for the series, climbed a remarkable 36 places to secure the 37th spot. This made him the fourth highest ranked Indian in T20I, ahead of Rohit Sharma (42nd) and Virat Kohli (51st), who recently retired from T20I cricket. Gill now trails only Suryakumar Yadav (2nd), Jaiswal (6th), and Ruturaj Gaikwad (8th) among Indian batters.

Jaiswal and Gill shine in ICC T20I rankings

Gill and Jaiswal seized their opportunities, emerging as top run scorers in the series. Gill was the leading run scorer with 170 runs in five matches, boasting a strike rate of 125.93 and an average of 42.50.

Impressive performances on the Zimbabwe tour

After missing the first two T20Is, Jaiswal made a splash with an unbeaten 93 in the fourth T20I, scoring a total of 141 runs in three matches at an average of 70.50 and an impressive strike rate of 165.88. Their contributions helped India win the five match series against Zimbabwe 4-1.

Zimbabwe’s Blessing Muzarabani also saw a rise, moving up 11 places to 44th in the T20I bowlers rankings. Meanwhile, Washington Sundar climbed 36 spots to 46th, and Mukesh Kumar moved up 21 places to 73rd.

England’s Adil Rashid remained the top ranked T20I bowler, while Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza rise to third in the all-rounders rankings after his strong performances against India.

Following the T20I retirements of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ravindra Jadeja, the Indian cricket team has begun its search to replace these key players. Kohli, Rohit, and Jadeja have been integral to the Indian setup across formats for over a decade. However, after bidding adieu to T20Is following the T20 World Cup final last month, the team now faces the challenge of filling the void left by these cricketing legends.

Washington Sundar’s prospects as Jadeja’s replacement

While finding replacements for Kohli and Rohit is a daunting task, the gap left by Jadeja might be an even bigger headache for India, given his reliability with both bat and ball. Axar Patel is a strong contender to take on Jadeja’s role, but Washington Sundar is also in the running. Currently touring Zimbabwe, Sundar was asked if he is ready to step into Jadeja’s shoes.

In the recent match against Zimbabwe, Sundar delivered an impressive performance, taking 3/15 as India secured a win to lead the five-match series 2-1 in Harare.

Sundar said “I need to do well where I am good at and what I am capable of, especially with my preparation. I need to give my 100 per cent every single day. That’s something that I have not compromised on.”

“It (preparing well) keeps me in the present and obviously I am very confident as well (about his skills). It’s a great opportunity for me to play for India, and I am blessed with it. I need to keep my job consistently and keep preparing and keep getting better. That way everything will be taken care of,” he added.

Match recap: India vs. Zimbabwe

India opted to bat first in the match. A solid 67-run partnership between Yashasvi Jaiswal (36 off 27 balls, with four boundaries and two sixes) and skipper Shubman Gill got things off to a strong start. Shubman continued his fine form, scoring 66 off 49 balls (with seven fours and three sixes) and forming a 72-run partnership with Ruturaj Gaikwad (49 off 28 balls, with four boundaries and three sixes). India posted a competitive total of 182/4 in their 20 overs.

In response, Zimbabwe struggled early in their run chase, finding themselves at 39/5. A 77-run partnership between Dion Myers (65* off 49 balls, with seven fours and a six) and Clive Madande (37 off 26 balls, with two fours and two sixes) revived their innings. However, Indian bowlers regained control, restricting Zimbabwe to 159/6 by the end of their 20 overs.

See Also: Unbeaten James Anderson in final Test; Record extended – Cricket Winner

The Indian team’s search for suitable replacements continues, with Sundar and Patel leading the charge to fill the all-rounder role left vacant by Jadeja.

In the first three matches of the series, Washington Sundar has emerged as the standout bowler, claiming six wickets at an average of 9 and an economy rate of 4.5. His exceptional performance has set him apart, boasting the best average and economy among bowlers from both sides. Sundar’s prowess with the ball has been a key factor in his team’s success thus far.

Washington Sundar made his T20I debut in 2017 and has played 46 T20Is since then. Despite his talent, he has never been a regular member of the Indian T20I squad. Various factors, such as injuries, inconsistent form, and stiff competition from players like Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, and Yuzvendra Chahal, have hindered his ability to secure a permanent spot. Consequently, he has yet to feature in a T20 World Cup.

Even when India required an off-spinner for the 2021 and 2022 T20 World Cups, the selectors opted for the experienced R Ashwin over Sundar. In 2023, Sundar played eight T20Is, taking five wickets at an economy rate of 6.3. Despite the challenges, his recent performances indicate a resurgence, showcasing his potential to be a vital asset for the Indian team.

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Detailed Analysis of Washington Sundar’s Performance in the Series

India began the series against Zimbabwe with a disappointing 13-run defeat, but Washington Sundar had a standout performance. The 24-year-old took 2/11 in his four overs and scored 27 runs in the chase. In the second T20I, he recorded figures of 1/28, yet his best performance came in the third T20I in Harare, where he achieved his best T20I figures of 3/15 in four overs, earning him the Player of the Match award.

Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza attempted to put pressure on Washington Sundar immediately but paid the price with his wicket. Washington, keeping his strategy simple, bowled outside off, enticing Raza into a shot that went straight to the fielder at deep mid-wicket. In the same over, Johnathan Campbell was tempted into a drive, resulting in an outside edge that was comfortably caught by the slip fielder.

Washington’s first three overs were economical, conceding just eight runs before he was taken out of the attack. During the next five overs, Dion Myers and Clive Madande took advantage of his absence, adding 49 runs to the scoreboard. The duo formed a vital partnership, putting on 77 runs for the sixth wicket. However, Washington’s return to the attack saw him break the partnership by getting Madande caught at deep square leg.

Throughout the series, Washington has maintained a consistent approach. By repeatedly hitting a good length and bowling outside off, he has focused on control, forcing the batters into making mistakes. As highlighted by the statistics, nearly 92 percent of his deliveries in the series have been on a good length. Additionally, Washington has generated more turn than Ravi Bishnoi, with an average turn of 2.5 degrees compared to Bishnoi’s 2.3 degrees in the first three matches.

Interestingly, Washington hasn’t bowled a single over in the powerplay during this series. Known for his ability to bowl defensive overs with the new ball early in his career, he has instead bowled the majority of his overs in the middle phase (9 out of 12) in these three games. This strategic shift might be the best way to utilize Washington’s skills effectively, ensuring he continues to be a key asset in the team’s bowling lineup.

India boasts quality seamers like Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, and Mohammed Siraj, who are well-equipped to handle powerplay overs. During the 2024 T20 World Cup, Axar Patel also showcased his ability to bowl effectively in the first six overs. This strategy allows India to maximize the potential of Washington Sundar and Kuldeep Yadav in the middle overs, where they can exert more control and pressure on the opposition.

While there are few doubts about Washington’s bowling capabilities, particularly if he can stay fit, India will be looking for more contributions from him with the bat. As a left-handed batter, he has averaged 17.42 in T20s since 2023, which is respectable for someone batting at No.8. However, his strike rate of 111.2 needs improvement. Increasing his scoring rate will make him an even more valuable asset to the team, enhancing India’s overall batting depth and flexibility.

See Also: IND vs ZIM: Match Analysis: What led to the collapse of India’s young guns on Harare’s Spin-friendly track?

Against the odds in Harare, Zimbabwe made it their day by defeating India by 13 runs. Defending a modest total of 115, Zimbabwe displayed a convincing bowling performance. Despite the absence of any World Cup-winning Indian players in Harare, the Indian team was still expected to comfortably chase down the target. However, they never managed to gain momentum in their run chase. From the start, India found themselves on the back foot, with the innings commencing with ten consecutive dot balls.

Barring Ruturaj Gaikwad and Shubman Gill, the top six Indian batters fell prey to an overly aggressive approach early in the innings. Abhishek Sharma was the first to depart, miscuing a pull shot to the fielder at deep square leg. This reckless batting was in stark contrast to the cautious start required on a spin-friendly track. The early wickets put pressure on the Indian middle order, which struggled to stabilize the innings. The situation was ideally suited for batters like Gill and Gaikwad, who prefer to accelerate only after settling in and getting their eye in.

However, Gaikwad’s innings was cut short by his vulnerability to moving deliveries. He tentatively followed a ball that moved away late, leading to his dismissal. This further dented India’s chase, as they could not string together meaningful partnerships. The Indian batsmen’s inability to adapt to the pitch conditions and their eagerness to attack too soon cost them dearly. Consequently, Zimbabwe capitalized on these mistakes and successfully defended their total, sealing a remarkable victory.

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Why did India fell short of Expectations?

After a brief partnership, Dhruv Jurel attempted to replicate the drive that had earned him a boundary on the previous ball. Unfortunately, with the ball gripping the surface, his shot resulted in a straightforward catch for the fielder. Despite this setback, India remained hopeful with skipper Shubman Gill still at the crease, just one partnership away from a potential comeback. However, India’s inability to seize control of the match became evident when Sikandar Raza introduced himself into the attack in the 11th over.

Raza’s spell began with a loose delivery that went for four, but he quickly made amends by claiming the crucial wicket of Gill on the very next ball. In a manner reminiscent of Sunil Narine, Raza concealed the ball during his run-up and delivered a carrom ball. Gill, attempting to flick the ball to the leg side, overcommitted with his front foot, resulting in his dismissal. If not bowled by the deflection, Gill would have been trapped LBW. This pivotal wicket ensured Zimbabwe maintained their grip on the game, preventing India from mounting a successful chase.

At 86/9 in 17 overs, India needed 30 runs from the remaining 18 balls—a challenging yet achievable target. Washington Sundar was left to shoulder the responsibility alone. Despite a valiant effort that included a six, a wide, and a four to keep India in the contest, Zimbabwe maintained their composure. Sundar faced 16 of the final 18 deliveries but could only manage to score 14 runs. His struggle was apparent as he had a strike rate of 0 against balls on the stumps and just 14.3 against deliveries outside off-stump.

The Zimbabwean bowlers, Blessing Muzarabani and Tendai Chatara, executed their plan effectively by bowling good and back-of-a-length deliveries to Sundar, with fielders positioned at the boundaries square of the wicket. This strategy forced Sundar into a difficult position, where singles were not an option for the left-hander. As Sundar (27 off 34) tried to find his timing, he ended up rejecting several singles. Additionally, a couple of missed opportunities for twos further hampered India’s chase as Zimbabwe tightened their grip on the game with each passing ball.

With India needing 18 runs off the last two overs, Sundar could only muster four runs before becoming the last batter to fall on the penultimate ball of the innings. His efforts were not enough to bridge the gap, and Zimbabwe clinched a hard-fought victory, demonstrating their resolve and tactical acumen under pressure.

See Also: T20 WC 2024: Player Analysis: Why is Jasprit Bumrah so difficult to figure out?